Footy match 2008

Sunday 20th April 2008

The eagerly anticipated football match between the adults and juniors of Horley Lawn Tennis Club took place on a fine Sunday afternoon at Oakwood School. It had been arranged to supply sponsors and raise money towards a new clubhouse. A crowd of enthusiastic supporters saw the heavy favourites (the adults) taught a lesson by the tireless, underdog junior team, who ran out 2-1 winners.

The two sides started out very tight and organised, with both defences on top and neither keeper having to make serious saves. However, mid-way through the first half, good build-up play in the junior team lead to Liam McCrory having a shot on goal which fell kindly to Ollie Webb, who made no mistake with an easy tap in. The adults pressurized the junior goal but nothing could find a way past the in-form junior keeper Elliot Bryant before the half time interval.

In the second half, the adults got their reward after a mix up in the junior defence gave Paul Farrugia the chance to slot the ball in the back of the net. The referee Mike Everton, who was flawless all game suspiciously failed to give Farrugia a booking after unnecessary celebrations. As the two sides seemed to be settling for a draw a late run and a great cross to the back post by Ed Cooper was turned in by Mobeen Hanid. Not even a late cameo performance from Owen Wadey could inspire an equaliser for the adults as the juniors held on to an impressive victory.

Overall a deserved win by the junior team on a thoroughly entertaining afternoon of footy. The club is hoping to make this an annual fund raising event to continue to raise funds for the new clubhouse.

Thank you to all those that took part, supported and organised the event.

Junior Team: Elliot Bryant; James Bothwell, Stuart Cox, Sam Wright, Ed Cooper; Greg Bothwell, Ollie Webb, Liam McCrory, Myles Blay, Mobeen Hanid, Sam Bracken.

Adult Team: John Webb; Marcus Isaacs, Andy Norrell, Dave Cox, Phil Bryant; Matt Biffen, Paul Farrugia, Steve Fuller, Riz Hanid, Steve Whittle, Matti Bothwell. Subs: Laura Webb, John Warren, Owen Wadey